Plenty of bass are still available in Lake Oroville, reported Jamie Sorenson at Oroville Outdoors. "Bass fishing is great for 15-inch average fish," observed Sorenson. "It's very possible to catch and release over 50 fish a day in that size range, using tubes, worms, and topwaters from the bank out to about 20 feet. Our Tuesday night turkey shoot was topped by a 23-inch spotted bass. Most anglers are getting their fish at the West Branch, the Slot, and the North Fork. Some nice catfish up to eight pounds are being caught on cut baits at night near Stringtown."

Regarding boat launch conditions, Sorenson advised, "The Bidwell launch is open right now, but the state parks people say that it will close on Aug. 20. They are saying that the gravel road at the Spillway will be open, but I was there on Monday and no maintenance had been started yet to get it into usable shape. There is also supposed to be a courtesy dock installed when it is ready."

Sacramento River

Salmon fishing is holding steady on the Sacramento River, reported local guide Kevin Brock. "We are catching fish every day," noted Brock. "The salmon are moving through the Chico area very quickly, so we are doing all of our fishing between Woodson Bridge and Los Molinos. The crowds are very light."

Brock continued, "Almost all of the fish are beautiful bright chromers. The average size has been 15 to 20 pounds, and our largest of the week was 27 pounds. In the early morning, some fish are hitting on Luhr Jensen K16 Kwikfish, but after about 7 a.m., it is all on the drifted roe."

High elevation trout

Trouters heading for the mountains are not finding too many options, according to Keith Noble at Fins, Fur, and Feathers in Paradise. "Filbrook Lake is fishing pretty well, it has water and cool temperatures," Noble said. "Most of the fish are stocker-size and are biting on nightcrawlers, Power Eggs, and Power Bait. A few stockers are also being caught at Paradise Lake on the same baits, but those fish are in ugly shape."

Sorensen added, "The stream fishing for stockers at Butte Meadows is pretty good, but there is hardly any water anywhere else."

Paradise Bass Club

The Paradise Bass Club held its second night tournament of the year at Lake Oroville. Despite the low water level, the fishing was pretty good. Most of the fish were caught near the shoreline with crankbaits like a Bomber Model A in crawdad pattern. Final results: Mike Klemm/Chris Wright-11.70 pounds total; Brent Foster/Bob Buckner-10.90; Don Reighley/Randy McKeen-10.15; Big Fish-Klemm (4.75 pounds).

Salmon seminar

Well-known local river guide Kevin Brock will conduct a free seminar on salmon fishing at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Sportsman's Warehouse store, at the North Valley Plaza (the "old mall") in Chico. Lots of information will be given out, and topics covered will include how to cure bait, how to wrap Kwikfish, tackle selection, and more. There will be a Q&A period afterwards. Call 897-0500 for more information.